Red Pandas are predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular animals. They live in trees, making them arboreal. Territorial, both sexes mark their territory.
Due to a diet naturally poor in nutrients they have extremely slow metabolisms and spend half the day resting.
Red Pandas have reddish brown fur on their backs and heads with a glossy back underside and leg. Their muzzle, cheeks and ear are white. Alternating light and dark rings decorate their tail.
Quick Facts
Gestation: 4 – 5 months
Maturity: 18 months
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Predators: snow leopards
Red Pandas are omnivores. Although their diet consists almost entirely of young bamboo leaves and shoots, they also eat eggs, fruit, roots, birds, rodents, acorns, and insects.
Breeding occurs once a year in early winter and mating is performed on the ground. Females line tree hollows or crevices with nesting material. Cubs are born and remain in these nests for the first few months of life. Males have a small or nonexistent role in raising young.
Red Pandas are predominately solitary forming pairs only during breeding, rarely interacting outside mating.
Females spend the first 1-1.5 years with their offspring.
Why are Red Pandas Endangered?
Red Pandas are considered and endangered species. This may be because of poaching for wild meat, medicine, pelts & pets, and from habitat destruction due to the limber and agricultural industry.
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